Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has awarded Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships to 60 students from across the world.
The scholarship is awarded to high-calibre students from non-EU and non-EEA countries. It allows them to study in Ireland full-time for one year.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said, “I want to congratulate each and every one of you for participating in this programme.
“It is students who dare to venture to foreign lands, who are receptive to new experiences and ideas – they will make their mark on the world. You are part of that special group.
“While you are undoubtedly getting a top-class education from our excellent higher education institutions, I hope you have learnt and shared in our culture in your time among us.”
The scholarship funds up to €10,000 per student. The stipend is paid to the host higher education institution (HEI) of the successful student in two payments of €5,000 and then transferred to the student.
This fund is directed to cover student costs and living expenses. The scholarship may be used for the final year of an undergraduate programme, one year of a taught master’s degree programme, or one year of a research programme (one year of a 2-year research master’s or a 3 to 4-year PhD programme)
HEIs are required to waive tuition fees and registration charges to the student for the scholarship year. This is the minimum matching funding requirement that institutions must make to the scholarship scheme.
Scholarships are approved for study across all disciplines, subject to the availability of places.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) seeks to make sure there is gender balance in the group of students who receive scholarships. Applications are also welcome from under-represented groups.
HEA CEO Dr Alan Wall congratulated all of the students who were awarded the Government of Ireland Scholarships:
“This is a group of outstanding students who have come through a highly competitive and rigorous selection process to participate in this prestigious scholarship programme.”
The Minister also acknowledged the student ambassadors who promote Ireland as a higher-education destination. A key part of this is building brand awareness of Ireland as world-class location for higher education. The target audience is predominantly undergraduate and postgraduate students in non-European markets, such as North America, the Middle East, Africa, India, China, South-East Asia, Latin America
The Student Ambassador Programme is one of Education in Ireland’s long-running initiatives and is now in its eleventh year.